Digital TV Providers

Understanding Freeview

Freeview

By Becca Talbot - becca@consumerchoices.co.uk

If you don’t want to pay a monthly subscription for your digital TV, you can get the basic channels, as well as HD channels, from Freeview for free. (Updated 25/03/10)

After the digital switchover is completed in 2012, every household in Britain will have digital television, either through a monthly subscription TV package, or from a free-to-view provider like Freeview (www.freeview.co.uk) or Freesat.

Freeview is the cheapest way to get digital TV. After making a one-off payment for the set-top box or integrated TV, you’ll have access to all the original terrestrial channels, plus all the new digital channels as well.

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What is Freeview?

Freeview is the range of subscription-free digital channels and radio stations that will replace the current terrestrial channels after the switchover is completed in 2012.

When your area switches to digital, you won’t be able to watch analogue TV any longer, so at the very least, you’ll have to get a Freeview set-top box if you want to carry on watching TV. Freeview is the cheapest way to continue watching TV, as you only need to make a one-off payment for your hardware, and there is no monthly subscription.

Why should I get Freeview?

If you want to keep watching TV after the switchover, but don’t want to commit to a contract and a monthly subscription, then Freeview may be right for you.

As well as being able to watch all the current terrestrial channels - BBC1, BBC2, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 - you’ll receive a growing number of digital-only channels and radio, such as BBC3 and ITV2.

Depending on the set-top box you buy, you might even be able to send emails via your TV, or do online shopping. The interactive facilities of digital TV are always expanding so keep a look out for new services.

And if you’ve got a HD ready TV, getting a Freeview HD set-top box is the cheapest way to watch high-definition (HD) channels.

What do I need for Freeview?

You must live in a Freeview area to receive Freeview. Use our postcode checker to see if you live in a Freeview area. It is currently available to around 80% of the UK.

To receive the Freeview channels, you’ll need to have a Freeview set-top box. These cost as little as £20 and can be simply plugged into the back of your TV. Digital recorders (PVRs) are also set up to receive Freeview.

Or, if you need a new TV, you could opt for a digital one with Freeview built-in.

Because VCRs run on the analogue signal, they will become redundant after the switchover, so you should invest in a digital recorder. These allow you to record programmes onto their internal memory, pause and even rewind “live” television.

How much does Freeview cost?

The cost of Freeview depends on how you want to receive it. Standard Freeview boxes start at around £20, while some high-definition (HD) ready, integrated digital TVs can cost more than £1,000.

If you go for a subscription service, your hardware will probably be free but you’ll be tied into a contract and have to pay a monthly fee.

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Comments

The booster and amplifier is still on my areal yet do I need it for the free view i am looking at the mast I relay dint need it before it was on when i got is

- Aug 20 2010 3:31PM
Mr Matheson, kyle of Lochalsh

I just went to put my new freeview box on to watch that i bought 3 days ago now and a notice came up saying... INFORMATION.... OTA Searching inprogress... Exit: Cancel OTA...

None of the keys on my remote control are working at all?
Can you please tell me what is going on...
Thankyou...
- Jul 27 2010 2:43PM
Dawn Worsley, UK

why do i have no signal on bbc1 bbc2 and bbc3 in bright sunny weather other channels ok these 3 channels ok at all other times thanks - Jun 17 2010 1:23PM
i get virgin 1 on freeview until 7pm then stops does change to another channel if so what is the number - Jun 12 2010 1:38PM
frankdolman, swansea

i have bougth two free view boxes and a digital ariel but i cannot get a picture - it keeps breaking up - so im left with nothing and cannot afford the other packages.
Im off to Winter Hill tonight to switch back the old signal and put up the old mast i just miss corrie and harry hill - my mate is coming along to help me we are going like chck visio brothers - to me to you to me to you
- Dec 7 2009 8:38PM
unable to program my freeview box to recieve bbc channels thay star then a message comes on new programs added then no signal i am using a normal ariel - Nov 6 2009 9:42AM
michael ward, southport uk

i love freeeview - Jun 27 2009 5:58PM
lucia cardoso, goole uk

I have bought a new tv which has free view however i do not seem to be able to access my free view channels could this be something to do with not having an out side ariel . post code SO16 6ND could you please help to find out what i would need to be able to get these channels . I am not going to be able to get an ariel put outside as i live in a flat. would a box be the way forward. please let me know. thank you. - Jun 18 2009 1:32PM
mrs mclellan, UK

Thanks for pointing this out to us Martin. We review and update our panel of digital TV providers every month, so will take these comments into consideration when updating the postcode search tool.

Becca, DigitalChoices.co.uk
- May 5 2009 9:24AM
Becca Talbot, UK

The postcode search does not list Freeview yet I have had digital terrestrial TV since 1999 with an IDTV, also BT Vision is not listed for the same postcode (which I have) infact none of the three servies I have are listed (Freeview, Freesat, BT Vision) - May 3 2009 10:42PM
Martin, Worcester